Emily Bearn - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
- answered by Emily Bearn

Did you dream of being a writer when you were at school?

Yes, and I was always filling up notebooks with stories about animals. They're all lost now, which is probably just as well.

Do you have any quirky writing habits?

When I start a new chapter, I sometimes write the last sentence first, so that I have something to aim towards. But when I get there I usually have to change it.

How do you go about creating your characters?

They tend to create themselves, and sometimes they don't like me controlling them. But they all owe some of their mannerisms to people I know.

How did you get the idea for Tumtum and Nutmeg?

One morning I saw two mice scuttle across my kitchen floor, then disappear behind the cooker. I started wondering what sort of lives they led there, and in my mind’s eye I pictured them living in a splendid house such as Nutmouse Hall.

What do you say to people who are frightened of mice?

If General Marchmouse appeared in my house, I think I would be frightened too! But I would remember that I am much bigger than he is, so he would be more frightened of me.